Before visiting Myanmar (formerly Burma), one of the last things I expected to find there was wine. Enter Inle Lake’s Red Mountain Winery. Now, let me state I’m not a wine coinsure in any way, but if you’re like me and don’t mind a local alcoholic beverage, plus some of the best views of Inle Lake you’ll ever find, then read on! I’ll cover how to get to the Red Mountain Winery in Inle Lake, the cost of what’s on offer and what to see along the way!

 

Where is Inle Lake’s Red Mountain Winery?

Red Mountain Winery isn’t advertised much at all. This may be due to the fact it is around 8km east of the small town Nyaugshwe. It is a little far out for a short walk, but there are plenty of ways to get there. While taxis are an option (they are cheap!) my personal favourite way is even cheaper – by rented bicycle.

From my fantastic accommodation of Teak Wood Inn (more on why you should stay there later) my small group hired bikes. I did a little investigation while I was in the area, and couldn’t find any cheaper bicycle rental rates in the area!

Once you’ve got a half decent bike, 8km is easily covered, and you’ll have earned that wine!

One word of caution, 95% of the ride to the vineyard is super flat and easy ground. The last 5% is not. Red Mountain Estate Winery really wants you to work for their tasty wine, so there’s quite a steep hill on the last section of the journey there. Trust me, the views are well worth the intense climb in elevation. It was even too steep for me, so don’t be afraid to walk your bike the rest of the way until the little bicycle parking area on the right.

 

What’s on Offer at Inle Lake Red Mountain Estate Winery

Other than stunning views over Inle Lake, there’s of course great wine. A wine tasting of 2 whites and 2 reds is available for 5000 Kyat. Which I think is pretty good value!

Red Mountain Vineyard also does offer food, but it isn’t really meal-sized portions. More like snacks to go along with your wine. There’s also the option to buy a bottle or a glass and sit out on the deck and take in the stunning valley vistas with Inle Lake in the background.

 

When to Visit Red Mountain Vineyard and Winery?

I doubt you’re going to plan a whole trip to Myanmar just to go to a lesser known winery. I mean, I might be wrong, but I doubt it…

So, for the time of year to visit the winery? Just swing by whenever you’re in Inle Lake. What I would like to stress is seeing the sun set behind the mountains of Inle Lake. It’s pretty magical. Even as a monsoon rolled in through the massive valley, it was still amazing. Actually, I’d say the storm made it better. From the winery, you can see so far into the distance, the incoming storm was cool to watch!

One thing I would like to add. As I mentioned, I’m no wine expert. And I highly doubt this wine will win any “nectar of the gods” awards. However, I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed the wine.

While I was visiting there were quite a few pretentious customers… Sure, you’ve tasted better wine, but there’s a much better way of saying you don’t like it than “this is total shit”. Don’t be like these tourists!

 

Other Recommendations for Inle Lake

Inle lake boat tour is a great way to spend a half day. Visiting many local textile and fabrication shops is a fantastic way to see how locals survive in the area. I definitely recommend this if you have some time to spare.

 

Inle lake Accommodation

My favourite place to stay in Inle Lake is the Teak Wood Inn. A beautiful looking building, with clean and comfy beds! Plus, it was 9$ AUD a night. They have a restaurant attached if you don’t feel like venturing out for any of your meals!

 

Best Inle Lake Restaurant

Even when I visited in low season, booking a table at the more popular restaurants was a must! However, I lucked out and got recommended Paw Paw Restaurant. If you like local, family run restaurants (where you actually talk with l the family) with amazing traditional food, this is a must for you! Grandmas Pumpkin Curry! It’s so good. Plus, grandma is super sweet!

 

Inle lake Red Mountain Winery Tips and Information

Weather in Asia can be super unpredictable, especially in the monsoon/wet season (the storm above hit in a minute or two). It could be hot and sunny one minute, a storm roll in the next. Being prepared for whatever comes is a constant battle. Waterproof clothing/covers for yourself and your belongings is super important.

If you would like to see the sunset at Red mountain Winery, make sure you pack a flashlight for the way home as the streets outside of the town Nyaugshwe can be quite dark.

Myanmar currency is the Kyat (pronounced chat). For every $1 AUD, you’ll get roughly 1,130 Kyat (pronounced ‘chat’).

 

Inle Lake Red Mountain Winery Highlights

• That Red Mountain Estate Winery view! So nice!
• Red mountain wine is good. At least for me. Again. I’m no expert, but I enjoyed them a lot!
• The bike ride is also quite nice. Pretty quiet main roads and going the back streets usually means you don’t see another person, let alone a car!

 

Have you visited Myanmar’s beautiful Inle Lake? What about the mountain winery? What did you think? Make sure to let me know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, you can share it to social media using the buttons on the left! Cheers!